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Merciless Bayern Crush the Gunners

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Bayern Munich all but secured their qualification into the Champions League quarter-finals as they handed out a ruthless mauling of Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.

Bayern Munich 5-1 Arsenal

Bayern Munich all but secured their qualification into the Champions League quarter-finals as they handed out a ruthless mauling of Arsenal at the Allianz Arena.

Alexis Sánchez just about bundled in his penalty kick to make things even at half-time, but a second-half blitz from the Bavarians saw Thiago grab a brace, and Lewandowski and Müller etch their names on to the scoresheet as they ran riot, and once again sent Arsenal plunging into disarray.

Image: ESPN FC

Arsenal tried to aggressively throttle the Bundesliga kingpins with a quick kick-off, but it would only be a matter of time before Bayern Munich took shape. The yellow Arsenal shirts already began to compile on the backfoot, with a heap of possession for the hosts. Arturo Vidal forced a simple albeit wary save from the keeper with his strike, but not too long after Ospina would be spectacularly beaten.

As Munich comfortably knocked it about, Arjen Robben received the ball on the right wing, taking a big touch on his left boot, running past the defenders and then unleashing a mouth-watering strike which flew into the top left corner. All he needed was the smallest of spaces to exploit, burst through and thrust the favourites in front.

Arsenal were really being pushed back, unable to get a hold of the ball as the champions cruised. Robben was able to get another shot on later, not as threatening as the first time however. Determined not to be comprehensively shut out though, the Londoners began to venture forward more, and had a free-kick opportunity by Özil deflected and parried away by Neuer.

A very debatable call saw Robert Lewandowski kick the boot of Koscielny when attempting to clear, and all of a sudden Arsenal were one penalty kick away from taking a major advantage in the tie. Alexis Sánchez stepped up the spot where it was saved by Neuer, bouncing back out where he couldn't connect. As chaos ensued, on his third attempt he controlled it and volleyed it short and low on the turn to the far corner, and with that Arsenal's away goal had been retrieved. It was all level in Bavaria.

Granit Xhaka then tested Neuer after an incisive cut-back to set up a half volley from Oxlade-Chamberlain, and then Özil smashed it at his compatriot with a gaping chance - and Arsenal had reason to be optimistic as the first half came to a close.

They opened the second frame in a similar fashion, but they were dealt a huge blow when Laurent Koscielny was forced off due to a hamstring injury. From there, the Gunners looked lost and Bayern would smell blood.

Gist Path

54 minutes in and Bayern reinstated their lead through a fantastic header from Robert Lewandowski. A swift counter-attack was wrapped up by Lahm who crossed it high for the Pole to rise and direct it towards the net.

Image: Mail Sport

Things went from bad to worse as Arsenal began to cave in, with Thiago wrapping up a beautifully crafted team goal. Alonso found Lewandowski outside the box who flicked it behind him for his teammate to run on and sweep it into the back of the net.

And then he got another. He drilled it low and it deflected out of reach for Ospina - with Arsenal having an absolute nightmare, all over the place and a deer in the headlights for the ruthless Bayern to mow down.

Image: @iMiaSanMia

Thomas Müller was also able to use the game as an opportunity to get back into goalscoring form, coming off the bench to complete the rout by controlling it in the box and then firing home, with plenty of time to do so. One leg left, Arsenal completely smashed the pieces while Bayern Munich had things all wrapped up. A ruthless performance.